13 beach escapes that won’t bust the bank

11. St. Barths
When late spring arrives and the fabulous people fly back to the Hamptons, the Vineyard, and Nantucket, St. Barths' 22 spectacular beaches stay right where they are. And those equally fabulous hotel prices plummet back to the reach of mere mortals. Meantime, the locals let loose with parties: April is the Caribbean Film Festival; July brings Bastille Day and volleyball contests; Boubou's Music Festival (run by the larger-than-life owner of celeb-studded restaurant Do Brazil) is in August. At Lorient Beach, on the island's north side, a coral reef protects aqua swimming waters; just off the sand lie the seven pretty blue-and-white bungalows of Hotel Les Mouettes. All of them have terraces—kitchenettes, too, but we dare you to resist the fresh chocolate croissants from the bakery next door.

Fly buy: St. Barth's tiny airstrip is not for the squeamish; save some money, and your lunch, by taking the $56 Voyager ferry from St. Martin (590-87-10-68; www.voyager-st-barths.com/us/index.php).

Hotel Les Mouettes
Tel: 590 27 77 91
One-bedroom bungalows for two from $141

12. Mozambique
A beach that stretches a couple of miles? Oh, please. Mozambique boasts 1,500 miles of sun-drenched, untouched coastline along the Indian Ocean. A few pricey lodges have staked a claim in the southern part of the country's coast, but the budget-minded know to book at Barra Lodge, a string of thatched huts between the ocean and an estuary in the province of Inhambane. Choose from the twin-bed casitas or three-bedroom cottages, which have fully outfitted kitchens to grill up the fish you can buy from locals. Horseback rides along the beach, arranged through the lodge, are just $25, while the pool, beach bar, and restaurant have the feel of a much pricier place. But, the real luxury is all that beach to yourself.

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Fly buy: Getting yourself to Johannesburg, South Africa, isn't always easy or cheap (monitor fares at www.itasoftware.com), but once you're there, Barra Resorts will arrange the $430 round-trip to Inhambane, near the lodge (27-11-314-3355; www.barraresorts.com).

Barra Lodge
Tel: 258 293 20 561
One-bedroom casitas with two twin beds from $89

13. Costa Rica
Pura vida ain't so pura when you're paying through the nose for digs in a country once known for its down-to-earth vibe and prices. Happily, Costa Rica still has its rugged and relaxed corners, like the surf town of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. The best Pacific swells are during the rainy season, from May to December, when you'll also find discounts around town. Luz de Vida resort offers 10 to 15 percent off its already affordable rates. Built of wood to blend into the surrounding jungle, the property's beach bungalows are just steps away from the sand and the pool.

Fly buy: Nature Air offers round-trip flights as low as $42 between San José and Tambor; then it's an hour drive to Santa Teresa (506-299-6000 or 800-235-9272; www.natureair.com).

Luz de Vida Resort
Tel: 506 640 0320
Bungalows for two from $95

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